2-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A tragic incident on Singapore’s roads has resulted in a permanent disability for a motorcyclist, underscoring the grave consequences of reckless driving. Hoo Kai Sng, a 23-year-old full-time national serviceman, executed a dangerous U-turn while operating a military vehicle along Mandai Road, leading to a collision that has forever altered the life of one of the victims.
On July 2, Hoo was sentenced to a short detention order of 10 days after pleading guilty to one charge of driving without reasonable consideration for others using the road, causing grievous hurt. Offenders given such an order are incarcerated for a brief period but will not have a criminal record upon their release. Additionally, Hoo will be disqualified from holding or obtaining any class of driving license for five years following his release.
The incident unfolded on September 4, 2021, at approximately 4:30 pm, when Hoo, serving his National Service as a Singapore Armed Forces transport operator, was driving a military car along Mandai Road in the direction of Yishun Avenue 1. As he waited to make a U-turn, he noticed oncoming traffic but misjudged the distance of two approaching motorcycles, believing he had ample time to complete the maneuver.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Jeremy Bin, “Following the U-turn, the accused should have entered lane 1 of the 3-lane road. However, the accused drove without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road by making a wide turn, such that the motor car completed the turn straddling lane 2 and lane 3.”
A 31-year-old motorcyclist, traveling in lane 2, was forced to move to the edge of the lane to avoid a collision with Hoo’s vehicle. However, Hoo then swerved the motor car into lane 2, colliding with the motorcyclist. The impact caused the motorcycle to skid and strike another motorcycle being ridden by a 29-year-old in lane 1, flinging both riders off their vehicles and onto the road at a high speed.
Hoo and his passengers immediately alighted the vehicle and, with the assistance of a passer-by, rendered aid to the victims. Hoo promptly called the police emergency hotline to report the accident, and both injured motorcyclists were rushed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for treatment.
The 31-year-old motorcyclist sustained a fracture near his right wrist, bruising on his left wrist, and underwent surgery, remaining hospitalized overnight before being discharged with 120 days of hospitalization leave followed by 118 days of light duties. Tragically, the victim now suffers from a four percent permanent disability and will have permanent difficulty carrying heavy objects, with a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future, according to the prosecutor.
The second rider suffered various injuries, including rib and collarbone fractures, necessitating surgery and a three-day hospital stay before being discharged with 84 days of hospitalization leave.
In court, Deputy Public Prosecutor Jeremy Bin stated that the prosecution would not object to a short detention order, citing Hoo’s young age and the consideration of rehabilitation. Hoo’s lawyer, Kalaithasan Karuppaya, requested a similar sentence, informing the court that his client is currently studying at a local university.
For driving without reasonable consideration for others using the road, causing grievous hurt, Hoo could have faced up to two years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
